The death of a "beautiful, popular, much loved" teenage girl has left people devastated. Lauren Thornton, 13, suffered an asthma attack at All Saints' Academy, in Blaisdon Way, Cheltenham, on Thursday. She was due to celebrate her 14th birthday on Saturday.

Her school released a statement today which said Lauren was a "kind and generous" student.

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Principal Dermot McNiffe said: "We are devastated by this tragic loss, and we send our thoughts and our love to Lauren's family and friends at this difficult time.

"Lauren was a much loved girl in our Academy family.

"She was loyal, kind and generous to all her friends. She was a vibrant girl and lovely student. We are all going to miss her greatly.

Lauren Thornton

"This tragic event is extremely upsetting for our students, parents, and staff. We are supporting each other, as a strong and loving Academy community through prayer and meeting the needs of all affected. We will be taking time to remember Lauren in the days and weeks ahead."

A memorial gofundme page set up by friends to help her family has been widely shared on social media.

It says: "A tragic accident happened, which claimed the life of a young, beautiful, popular, much loved girl, Lauren Thornton.

"Lauren was a 13-year-old student at All Saints' Academy, who was getting ready to celebrate her 14th birthday on May 6, when tragedy struck and she suffered a fatal asthma attack during her PE lesson at school.

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"As you can probably imagine, we are all completely in shock, and heartbroken that such a vibrant, clever, beautiful, much loved girl has been taken away from us all so suddenly.

"She leaves behind a loving mother and younger brother, and step-father, as well as doting grandparents, aunties and cousins.

"This page has been set up in Lauren's memory, to take away some pressure from family members at this very sad time, to raise money towards Lauren's memorial, headstone, any other unexpected costs that may occur and maybe even a trip away for Lauren's mum, step-dad and brother, to try and come to terms with their loss.

"Lauren is loved by so many, and has touched the hearts of so many more. We, as friends and neighbors, as a community, are all in complete shock and are truly heartbroken.

"We want to take as much pressure off Lauren's family as possible. To make this painful time a little less difficult, we want to make this as easy for them as possible. Please help us to help them.

"Whatever anyone can donate, will be gratefully appreciated, no matter how small, every little bit will help to make this terrible time slightly less stressful."